Karl Holz Named President of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations

February 13, 2009

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced today that the company is aligning Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and its offsite regional resort business under a single leader. The vision is to create one organization within the company that is focused on operating the businesses that take the Disney brand to new places.

Karl Holz, currently the president of New Vacation Operations with oversight for Adventures by Disney and offsite regional resorts, will assume an expanded role as president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. Holz has previous Disney Cruise Line experience, having served as president of Disney Cruise Line in 2004 prior to taking an assignment in Paris.

Tom McAlpin, the current president of Disney Cruise Line, is leaving the company to pursue other interests.

“Tom has been with Disney Cruise Line since its inception and helped to establish the company as the premier family cruise line,” said Al Weiss, president of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. “We wish him well in his future endeavors and appreciate his dedication and contributions to Disney Cruise Line over the past 14 years.”

Holz has held a number of leadership positions during his 13-year career with Disney. In addition to his previous role as President of Disney Cruise Line, he has served as President, Euro Disney S.A.S. and Senior Vice President, Walt Disney World Operations. Before joining Disney, he was Vice President of theme park operations at Knott’s Berry Farm in Southern California and was previously President and CEO of Concession Air, Inc.

“Karl has a diverse background, strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences,” Weiss said. “He is exceptionally qualified for this expanded role, which will include oversight of the Disney Cruise Line expansion as we build two new ships to add to our fleet.”